Check out sonic roundup, where we peel back the curtain of the music world to reveal the freshest tracks you didn’t know you needed. This week’s edition includes tunes from Close To Monday, WhoMadeWho, NITTI, SHERM x Bluprint, Tara Brooks, and more.
CLOSE TO MONDAY – LIE
Close to Monday, the European duo comprising Ann & Alexander, channels a unique blend of CHVRCHES’ infectious pop and Boy Harsher’s intensity in their latest single, “Lie.” This moody, cinematic offering envelops listeners in a realm evocative of the ethereal vistas from “Drive” and the neon-soaked dystopia of “Blade Runner.” Their sound, marked by hauntingly beautiful landscapes and dark, pulsating electropop, is fronted by an icy yet electrifying vocal performance that intertwines melody and message, captivating both the heart and feet with its dynamic energy. Check out the accompanying video below:
NITTI – LOOKING 4 ME [MUSICAL FREEDOM]
DJ/producer NITTI is once again showcasing his exceptional versatility with the drum & bass single “Looking 4 Me,” out now on Tiësto’s coveted Musical Freedom records. This track, featuring the captivating voice of Hadar Adora, merges retro synths with a gritty bassline and dubstep elements, culminating in an electrifying DnB progression. Known as Ricky Mears in LA, NITTI’s achievements span collaborations with Diplo, Bad Bunny, and Diesel, along with being part of the SIDEPIECE and SAYMYNITTI projects. “Looking 4 Me” is another thrilling addition to the Latin Grammy winner’s diverse discography, signaling more groundbreaking releases and performances ahead.
SHERM x BLUPRINT – REAL LIFE [HOOD POLITICS]
Celebrated Chicago artist SHERM teams up with local duo BLUPRNT for the underground anthem “Real Life,” released via Hood Politics. Fresh from ADE, this collaboration delivers a track that encapsulates the essence of peak-time club energy. “Real Life” features an irresistible groove, compelling vocals, and massive synth stabs, reflecting the best of both artists. Sherm, known for his influential podcast “Sherm In The Booth” and performances alongside EDM giants, continues his impressive streak. BLUPRNT, having garnered acclaim and support from major artists, proves their emerging status in house music with this release, capping off a year of high-energy tracks.
CLN – IHOPEYOUFINDSOMEONE [MAMMAL SOUNDS]
Australian alternative-R&B and indie-pop maestro cln continues to captivate audiences with his unique sound, reminiscent of artists like Joji and James Blake. Following the success of his recent single ‘Monday Morning‘, cln presents ‘ihopeyoufindsomeone’, a deeply introspective track exploring the desire to leave an enduring mark on the world. This latest release, crafted in Brisbane’s 4000 studios, marks a shift from cln’s home studio environment, reflecting his journey towards new creative horizons. The song’s raw authenticity resonates with cln’s introspective lyricism and nuanced production, promising an exciting glimpse into his upcoming album.
SWAYLÓ – BREATHE IT [ANCIENT FUTURE PRESENT]
“Breathe It,” the latest track from genre-melding house music artist SWAYLÓ, is a rhythmic masterpiece featuring a harmonious blend of congas, synth drum percussions, and a groove-centric 808 bassline. he track showcases SWAYLÓ’s talent for creating music that bridges gaps between people, resonating with his performances at major festivals and his role in cultivating community through his label and event series, Ancient Future Present. “Breathe It,” with its lush vocals and infectious beat, reflects SWAYLÓ’s artistic vision and dynamic approach to music production.
SULLIVAN KING – OVERTHROWN (THE THRONES OF BLOOD REMIX ALBUM) [MONSTERCAT UNCAGED]
Sullivan King elevates his artistry with “Overthrown (The Thrones of Blood Remix Album).” This Monstercat Uncaged release features an eclectic mix of genres, from dubstep to rock, reimagined by artists like Kompany, Blanke, and Jessica Audiffred. Highlights include Blanke’s electrifying take on “Someone Else” and GHENGAR’s hardstyle-infused remix of “Fall Apart.” This prophetic album showcases King’s multi-instrumental prowess and dynamic vocal style, reflecting his evolution as an artist who’s graced stages at Tomorrowland and Lost Lands. Prepare to experience this fusion of creativity at his upcoming performances.
ARKY WATERS – GUM
Climbing the ranks with his fusion of breakbeats and tech-house, Arky Waters captures the post-COVID resurgence of Sydney’s music scene with his new techno track, ‘Gum‘. Inspired by the diverse, vibrant rave communities of Sydney, Arky channels this energy into his music, paying homage to the unifying power of electronic beats. ‘Gum’, the latest from his upcoming EP, is a fast-paced, techno-driven journey, reflecting Arky’s experiences in the local rave scene and showcasing his unique sound that sits comfortably alongside influences like Bicep and Overmono.
WHOMADEWHO – CHILDREN [THE MOMENT]
Danish band WhoMadeWho, amidst their new live tour, unveils “Children,” a captivating single from their upcoming 9th studio album, released under their new imprint, The Moment. Infused with the ethereal voices of the Danish children’s choir Vesterbros Ungdomsgård, “Children” blends ’80s new-wave nostalgia with ’90s acid psychedelia. The track, an ode to their global fanbase and the vibrant international dance scene, explores themes of identity and dreams, reflecting the band’s innovative spirit. WhoMadeWho, consisting of Tomas Høffding, Tomas Barfod, and Jeppe Kjellberg, continues to push boundaries in the underground music scene, with The Moment heralding new creative avenues.
BRUNO FURLAN x DEEFT – SPACE BUMP [TERMINAL UNDERGROUND]
Tech house luminary Bruno Furlan caps off a year peppered with remarkable performances and music production with “Space Bump,” a collaboration with rising talent Deeft. Released on Matroda’s label Terminal Underground, the track is a testament to Furlan’s knack for creating pulsating, high-energy tech house. Furlan’s journey from Brazil’s vibrant DJ culture to international acclaim, including collaborations with icons like Claude VonStroke and Green Velvet, showcases his evolution as a standout artist. His work, which ranges from supporting social movements to topping Beatport charts, has made him a fixture in the electronic music scene, with “Space Bump” being the latest addition to his impressive repertoire.
MOTORCYCLE – AS THE RUSH COMES (TARA BROOKS REMIX)
Tara Brooks, a master of genre-blending dance music, reimagines the iconic trance anthem “As The Rush Comes” by Motorcycle on its 20th anniversary. With her deep roots in the Southern California rave scene and an illustrious global presence, Brooks brings a fresh, electrifying take to the classic track. Her remix is a rich tapestry of acid basslines, soulful synths, and rhythmic drums, maintaining the original’s euphoric essence while infusing it with a modern techno vibe. This remix is a prelude to Brooks’ exciting future projects, including a collaborative EP, a remix for Ardalan, a full-length album, and a performance at Robot Heart’s inaugural San Francisco residency.
